Let's start off with a couple beta updates. The Second Closed Beta Stage has just been sent out, and seems to have been met with some very positive first impressions. Currently, all 12 Lay Siege maps are unlocked for testing. However, starting on Monday, the priority will be switched over to the Castle Defend mode with the release of Beta Patch 8. The testers are also enjoying an exclusive first look at our new menu design and many are submitting their own wacky ideas for siege engines and castle defenses in the hopes that they may one day see them in the game. For more of an idea on what's going on behind the scenes, check out last week's Fantasy Friday for some new screenshots taken by our beta testers! Invisible goblins, ninja catapults, rebellious horsemen... testing reports are always interesting. QA Tech Lead Danny Vink has chosen the first batch of beta testers to be appointed to the QA "Strike Team," so join me in congratulating Litos, Krabs, and sneaky_squirrel.

With that said, congratulations on making it to see another Friday! This week we'll be taking a look into the Orc Siege Units: the Siege Tower, Ram, Ladder, and Catapult. Enjoy!

The Orc Catapult

Description: A mobile catapult that is great at destroying builds, starting fires in hostile territory, and taking out clumps of enemy archers and other units.. Catapults have great range but are slow and are easy to destroy.

Flamed Stones – Ignites the projectiles, which increases the damage caused and gives the projectiles a chance to start a fire, but decreases accuracy and fire rate.Attack Ground - Set the catapult to continuously attack one targeted area.

The Orc Battering Ram

Description: The ultimate heavy siege unit. Pulled by six orcs, these massive rams are slow, but are great at taking down enemy gates. Despite the fact that they can take a fair deal of damage, it is recommended that you clear off walled enemy archers and surround your ram with melee units before moving it in for an attack.

Description: Mobile Siege Towers can provide quick entrance into an enemy city, but they are slow and smart players will usually have their archers destroy oncoming siege towers long before they ever reach their walls. It is highly recommended to scatter melee units all along your walls in case an enemy siege tower does reach the wall. These melee units can hold off the attackers, or at least protect your archers while they shoot down the tower.

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"The sky grows lighter my friends. The break of day should cheer the heart. But for us, sunrise brings only bloody war. Make thou ready. Defend my people well." - Prince Erian IV, Dawn of Fantasy